Sewing machine



July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed June 22 1918 7 SheetsSheet l INVENTORWfim ATTORNEY WITNESSES y x W5 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR mum/2%ATTORNEY A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed June 22 July 3, 1923.

WITNESSES 914 7A4 yfii/z/ a/ July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE 7 $heets-Sheet 3 Filed June 22 1918 INVENTORMM Km BY WITNESSES- ATTORNEY July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed June 2" 1918 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4INVENTOR d/ZLJ im/216 WITNESSES= July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed Jun-2 22 1918 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5ATTORNEY WITN ESSES= 9 9 M/fi;

July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed June 22 1918 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6INVENTOR WWW/m ATTORNEY W!TNESSES= July 3, 1923.

A. H DE VOE S EWI NC] MACH I'NE Filed June 22 1918 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 L hQL m 3 ML m 4 b wlf y 71( g ATTORNEY 20 W. P. Anthony,

Patented July 3,1923.

UNI- TED STATES v 1,460,891 PATENT OFFICE,

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To all whom it may cone-cm:

Be it known that I, ALBERT HLDE Von,

a citizen of the United States, residin at Westfield in the count ofUnion and tate I of New jersey, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Sewing Machines, of which the following is a.specification, reference being bad therein to the accom an ing drawings.

T is invention relates to sewing machines ofa s ial type for use inbleacheries where it is asirable to wcure together the ends of long lenhs of cloth by a thin lap-seam whose ges are trimmedclose to revent IIthe formation of bulky ridges which are objectionable in subsequentbleaching, singein and dyeing operations. t aims to provide a new andimproved machine of. the t shown in the patent to V 0. 1,001,186, datedAu ust 22, 1911, and also in my co ndlng app ication Serial No. 113,071,file August 4, 1916-, of which this applieationis a continuation inpart. In the prior construction a pair of 25 trimmers is located behindthe multiple needle sewing machine, the stitching point of whic isembraced by a recta lar and slide "frame having lmpaling pins flankinthe needles and the trimmers. The slidab e frame holds the fabricstretched flat during the stitching and trimming operations. g

The width of the cloth that may be stitched with the prior constructionis limitedby the size of the frame, it being impossible to trim andstitch material wider than the frame is long. The slidable'frame aftereach operation must be retracted to a position in front of the needlesto make ready for the next operation and this wastes time and energy. heframe must also be made heavyand stron enough to hold the work stretchedflat. an yet it must be light enough to be dr ged along by the feeddogsadvance of 't e work a stitch length at a time. The opposite freemargins of the lap seam joining the lengths of cloth .are in the priorconstruction trimmed after it is stitched and these margins cannot becut oil very close to the lines of stitches owing to the movement of thetrimming blades in a plane at right angles to the plane in' which thework travels.

The present invention aims to improve the prior constructions byproviding a fabric stretching and holdin mechanism conveying the work inlappe relation to and from the stitching point which is capable ofhandling anywidth of cloth and which is ready to start wherever it mayhappen to stop at the end of a previous operation thereby .increasingthe capacity of the machine.

For relievin the operator of the trouble ofremoving t e work from theconveying mechanism,it aims to provide devices stri ping the work fromthe stretching and holding mechanism afterthe lengths have been joinedby a lap seam.

It also aims to provide positive mechanical means for conveying the workin lapped condition to and from the stitching point at a' velocitysubstantiall us] to the avera velocity of the, feed 03 intermittent"advance.

Also it aims to improve the character of the work done by a combinationand arrangement of trimmers and separator which effect a stretching ofthe material immediately before it passes under the presser-foot and isgripped thereagainst by the feed-dog.

Then also it aims to provide a new and improved arrangement of trimmerswhich sever the cloth before it is secured together 'close to theoutside rows of stitches.

It aims to provide new and improved mechanism for operating thetrimmers, the blades of which are conveniently accessible for repair,replacement or resharpening.

It aims stil further to provide a new and novel marking device formaking d'mtinguishing characters upon the work the device being manuallyoperable independently of the machine.

A further aim of the invention is to provide new and useful controllingdevices for conveniently holding the machine coupled to power and formanually shifting the work along when the stitch-forming mechanism is atrest.

And finall it aims to improve the construction a arrangement so thatthemechine speed.

In it preferred form the construction comprises a sewing machine of anysuitable form making a plurality of parallel rows of stitches, atrimming mechanism including pairs of shear trimmers arranged in advanceof the'stitching point and operating close and parallel to the plane ofthe throat-plate maybe operated at a high rate of on op ite sides of theneedles, and a fabricstnetc ing and holding mechanism having as itsleading feature a series of impaling ins mounted on endless chains onopposite sides of the stitchi point and flanking the shear trimmers. Trou h (parallel slots in the table extending in t e irection of feed andflanking the trimmers, roject series of pins on which the work is lappedand impaled. The table is of relatively fgreat length and is arrangedtransversely o the sewing machine head between the bed-plate andoverhanging arm and is substantiall level with the throat-plate. At therearen of the table adjacent the point where the endless carriersreverse their direction of movement stripping plates are provided toremove the finished work from the pins on which it is impaled. The fabicstretching and holdin mechanism is driven from the main-shafto thesewing machine. A foot-treadle afiords convenient means for coupling themachine to a source of ower for simultaneously actuating the stitc-forming, trimming and fabric stretching and holdin mechanisms. Themachine is equip d wit a s cies of latch; ing mwhanism 2:1 holding t efoot-treadle depressed, enabling the operator to freely move about. inorder to advantageously bandle wide material, such as table clothseventy-two inches in width. A marking device is also provided on themachine an has a series of characters arrangled conveniently forimpressing distinguis ing letters or numbers upon the work when desired.

The invention is illustmted in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig.1 is a perspective view of the complete machine. ig. 2 is an endelevation partly in section of the central rtion of the machine and itsframe. Fig. 31s a front elevation partly in section approximately in avertical plane in advance of the stitching point. Fig. 4 is a detailcross-section illustrating part of the mechanism for actuating the lowertrimming blade. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the machine and a portionof thetable with the work-plate of the sewing machine removed, taken ona horizontal plane sli htl above the workplate.. Fig. .6 is a etai crosssection one. vertical plane of the impression roller of the markingdevice. Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are details in para tire, the latter beingpartly in section. ig. 10 is a bottom lan view of the central portion ofthe tab Fig. 11 is a cmss-sectiop on the line 11-13, Fig. 10 showi thegrooves in one frame section of the ta le. ig'. 12 is a detail incrow-section showing the adjustable pair of end pulleys about which theendless chains turn. Fig. 13 is a plan view showing fragments of thetable-top. Fig. 14 is a sectional detail showing the non-adjustable endpulleys around which the chains travel. Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sideelevation of the frame sections showing theralation of the end pulleysand stripping plates. Figs. 16, 17 and 18 are pers ctive views of thecomponents of a paw and ratchet mechanism for actuating a air ofsprockets driving the endless chains.

igs. 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 represent in spaced perspective the upper andlower s ear trimming mechanisms. one of which is mounted upon thepresser-foot. Fig. 24 is a cross-section through the presser-foot andthroat-plate illustrating the condition of the lap seam at the stitchingpoint. Fig. 25 is a perspective, partly in section, of the impressionroll of a marking device. Fig. 26 is a detail in perspective of apawl-carrying arm for driving the impression roll.

As represented in Fig.1 of the drawings, end standards with legs 1connected in pairs by cross-members 2 are braced her by the tie-rods 3.On theupper en s of the le Fig. 3 bosses 4 are formed with socketswithin which are adjustably secured by the screws 5(pins 6 upon which inturn a tray 7 is secure by the screws 8.

The sewing machine-Upon the tray 7 sets the bed-plate 9 of a sewinmachine from whose vertical standard 10, lg. 1, extends laterally theusual overhan ing arm 11. The main-shaft, 12, Figs. 2 an 5, of themachine on which is mounted the ved hand-wheel 12' is located in suitabebearings rising from the bed-plate and is operatively connected in anysuitable manner through the vertical standard with a rockshaft 13, Fi 2,sustained in the overhanging am an having a crankarm 14 linked at 15 tothe needle-bar 16 whose clamp 17 carries one or more needles 18,preferably three in number. Beneath the bed-plate loopers 19, of thenon-thread carrying type and as many as there are needles, are sup.-ported on a carrier 20 secured to a sleeve 21 and operated fronr themain-shaft of the machine by any of the great variety of knownmechanisms suited for the purpose.

The work-feeding mechanism for intermittently advancing the work astitch-. len h at a time comprises a feed- 22, to which four motions maybe imparted y suitable mechanism, and a cooperating presserfoot 23 on apresser-bar 24 that is supported in the head of the overhanging arm'inrea of the needle-bar as usual.

The construction above briefly described relates to the stitch-formingand work-feeding mechanisms of a sewing machine which has been employedin an embodiment ofrthe. invention but obvious] the'stitch-forming andwork-feeding mec anisms maybe of any suitable form and type. Theirspecific construction forms no part of the present invention. 4

The fabric stretchdmf (and holding mechanism.-The work is ed to and fromthe stitching point, where the needle or needles penetrate the work,with the fabric lies overlapped as shown in Fig. 24 in w ich conditionthe plies are held flat and tensioned by being impaled upon two separateand distinct series of pins 25 secured to endless carriers 26 of anysuitable form and construction. Preferabl as shown, the endless carriersare in t e form of chains.

The means for driving and supporting the endless carriers or chains 26will now be described.

Beneath the tray 7 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is mounted a rectangularplate 27, bein clamped by screws 28 ,to the pins 29 in t e bosses 30,four in number on the upper side of the tra To the bottom of the plate27 is secured by screws 31 a driving head 32 of the formshown, by whichhead a countershaft 33 is sustained parallel with the main-shaft 12. Thecounter-shaft 33 is operated, see Figs. 2, 3 and 5 from a worm 34 on areduced extension of the main-shaft 12 through a worm-wheel $5 on avertical shaft 36 supported in a bearing 37, which is secured by thescrews 37 to the bed-plate 9 of the sewing machine and. which carries asmall bearing 37 for the portion of the main-shaft 12 which extendsbeyond the worm 34. At the lower end of the vertical shaft 36 is abeveled gear 38 meshing with a similar gear 39 on one end of thecountershaft 33. On the other end of the countershaft 33, Figs. 3'and10, is fixed a sleeve or bushing 40 with an integral arm 41 carrying apair of pawls 42, see Fig. 16, yieldingl eld b a coil-spring 43 againsta rate et whee 44, Fig. 17, which together with a sprocket-wheel 45 isfastened by bolts 46 to a double flanged'sleeve 47 loosely supportedonthe countershaft 33, a second s rocket-wheel 48 being bolted to thesleeve 4 in spaced relation with the first-mentioned sprocket-wheel. Ina plane and parallel with the countershaft 33 and on opposite sidesthereof studshafts '49 are supported by the driving head 32 and looselysupported on the stud-shafts are idler-s 50 whose peripheral rooves 50'are in line with the sprocket-w eels 45 and 48, see also Fig. 10.

rames 51-52 are arranged in back and front respectivel of the sewingmachine in line with each ot er in the direction of feed. The frames areof skeletonized construction and are sup rted above the tra 7 on thebefore mentioned pins 29 whic are embraced by the frame bosses 53-54,while below the tray in bosses 55-56 is clamped a rod or strut 57 havinthrust collars 59-60 mutually sup rting t e frames 51-52, one by theother in alinement. A U-shaped lug 61 depending from the plate 27straddles the strut 57 and collars 62 u on the rod and on opposite sidesofthe ug afford means for bringing the respective frames 51-52 intoalinement. On opposite free ends of the frames 51-52 are mounted inpairs peripherally rooved idlers 63-64, Figs. 15 and 12, the ormer ofwhich may be adjusted bodily laterally in the direction of feed toproperly tension the chains 26, their stud-shaft 65 bein supported in aplate 66 adjustably secure by th screw-and-slot connections 67 to afinished surface on the side of the frame.

The conveying mechanism, whose construction has thus been described isthus operated preferably at a uniform velocity equal to t e averageadvance of the fabric by the feed-dog and cooperating presser from themain-shaft of the sewing machine through a ratchet mechanism, the seriesof impaling pins on the chains bein positively advanced in the directionof fee By reason of the spring-pawl construction 42-43 movement of thepins in the direction of feed is permitted independently of themainshaft 12, such independent movement being effected manually in amanner made apparent later. The independent movement facilitates theintroduction under the presserfoot of plies of fabric in overla pingrelationship before the machine is tlirown into stitching operation.

The tabla-The tops of the frames 51-52 are planed smooth and drilled andtapped at suitable intervals to receivescrews clamping in positionsections 70-71 and 72 of a worksupporting table indicated generall bythe numeral 3, the outside ends of t e table being bent down and securedto cross-bars v73' at the opposite ends of the frames 51-52 and at apoint slightly beyond the grooved pulleys 63-64. The sections of thetable 73 are spaced apart and define channels 74-7 5 on op osite sidesof the stitching point and exten ing parallel to the line ofseam-formation. These channels communicate with grooves 76-77 Fig. 11,provided in the top of the frames 51-52 which grooves receive theendless chains 26 carrying the impaling pins 25 which pins pro'ect upthrou h the channels above'the sur ace of the ta le 73 and upon them theoverlapped plies of fabric are adapted to be impaled. On the rear endsof the table 73 stri ping plates 78-79 are mounted with their n-likeribs flanking the channels 74-75 to a point where the lmsalmg pinsdescend beneath the curved en of the table. These stripping plates aswill be readily understood lift and clear the overlapped and stitchedwork from the impaling pins and allow it to drop from the rear end ofthe table without manipulation by the operator of the machine.

The trimming mechanicm..-Between the work-feeding mechanism i. e., thefeed-clog 22 and presser-foot 23, and the outlying series ofwork-holding pins pairs of shear trimmers are arranged to severrespective plies of fabric before it is stitched and of course theseshear trimmers are supported and actuated from opposite sides of thework.

The upper trimmer, Figs. 2, 19, 20 and 21 has a movable blade 80 securedby screws 81 to an arm 82 on a vertically arranged pin 83 hinged in thespaced ears 84 fixedly connected to the presser-bar An arm 85 fastenedpermanently to the pin 83 and arranged between the ears 84, is providedwith a ball end embraced by one of the two socket ends of a link 86which is actuated by a ball ended arm 87 secured by a screw 88 within agroove 89 arranged transversely in the end of a rock-shaft 90 which issupported horizontally at the rear of the head of the sewing machine ina bracket-plate 90' shown in detail in ZFigs. 7 and 9. The rock-shaft 90intermediate its ends is provided with a socket receiving a pin 91,which is setscrewed to the shaft as indicated in Fig. 9, and through asliding sleeve 92 is actuated from a crank-pin 93 on the end of theneedle-bar rock-shaft 13 in the overhanging arm.

The ledger or stationary blade of the upper trimmer in the presentembodiment of the invention is formed by an edge of a hardened solepiece 94 fastened by screws 95 to the presser-foot 23 which latter iscut away as shown best in Fig. 21 to provide clearance for the movableor cutting blade 80 passing above it during the normal operation of themachine.

The lower shear trimmer Figs. 3, 4, 22 and 23, has a movable blade 96secured by screws 9? to an arm 98 on the upper end of a ver' ticalrock-shaft 99 whose lower end is connected by an arm 100 to anadjustable link 101 actuated from a crank-arm 102 formed on the toper-carrying sleeve 21 before mentioned. the link 101 havingball-and-socket connections at its 0 posite ends. Cooperating with themova le blade 96 is a ledger or stationary blade 103 secured by screws104 to the throat-plate 105 of the machine.

The cutting action of the shear trimmers is completed in advance of thepenetration of the work by the needles, i. a, it is completed in advanceof the stitching point, which is insured by the provision of a lip 106on the movable blade of the upper trimmer and of a similar lip 107 onthe ledgerblade of the lower trimmer, both lips being located as shownforward of the needles.

It will he noticed that the movable blades of both shear trimmersoperate in planes parallel to the throat-plate 105 and consequentlyparallel to the plane in which the work traverses. The movable bladesare operated through connections with the uppeer and lowerstitch-forming instrumenta ties, which connections are simple and lightand do not hamper or limit the speed of the machine in operation. Andall the blades are accessible for replacement, repair or resharpening.

The pardon-On the presser-foot secured by screws 108 is a plate orfinger 109 which has a forwardly extending portion 110, a laterallyextending portion 111 across and 1n front of the presser-foot, and arearwardly extending portion 112, the letter bemg bent down andterminating slightly in advance of the end of the movable blade of thelower shear trimmer. A similar bend 113 connects the portions 110 and111 of the finger just in advance of the end of the movable blade of theupper shear trimmer. These bent portions 112 and 113 insure the entranceof the horizontal portions of the overlapping plies into theirrespective shear trimmers and also guard against snagging theoverlapping plies on the free ends of the movable blades. The laterallyextendlng portion 111 of the finger 109 enters between the lapping pliesof the fabric parting them slightly before they reach the bent portions112-113. The bent rtions 12-113 in conjunction with the raised portion105' of the throat-plate and with the presser-foot cause the material tokink or fold, as shown in Fig. 24, thereby making it taut between theflanking series of pins outside of the trimmers and stitchiformingmechanism before the work gets well under the presser-foot and beforethe margins of the work are out 0B. Thus there is obtained a smoothingor ironing action immediately before the stitching operation insuring asmooth flat lap-seam in the product.

The markcn-Rearward of the stitching point and supported by a lug 114,Figs. 2 and 6. depending from the frame section 51 is the charactercarrying part of the marker. It comprises a bushing 115 provided with ashoulder 116 and threaded end 117 taking a clampmut 118 for adjustablysecuring the bushing in place in the slot 119 provided in the dependinglug. A shaft 120 having a haiidmrank 121 at one end is jonrnaled withinthe bushing 115 and at its opposite end carries an arm 122, Figs. '25and 26 on which is mounted a pawl 123 with an actuatingspring 124 forholding the pawl in engagement with a ratchet-wheel 125 fastenedpermanently to an impression roller 126 loosely supported externallyupon the bushing 115. To the web of the impres sion roller 126 isfastened permanently a sprocket-wheel 127 meshing with one of theendless chains 26 and within seats in the periphery of the impressionroller are removably mounted plates 128 on which characters of asuitable kind are fashioned and in which open-ended key-hole slots 129are provided to receive the tapered heads 130 of plun rs 131 pressed bthe s rings 132 radially inward to hold he pla t es 128 in position.

Directly beneath the impression roller 126,

means are provided for convenientlg inking the characters on the plates128. casting 133, provided with a boss 134 fitting over the end of thestrut or rod 57 and also with a seat 135, is detachably secured byscrews to the frame-section 51. On a stud 136 sustained by the castingis an inking roller 137 to which ink is su plied by a second roller 138carried by a ever 139 pivoted to the casting as shown at 139' andarranged for emersion in a trough 140 permanently secured to thecasting. Ink or other suitable fluid in the trough is carried by thesupply-roller 138 to the padded surface roller 137 which wets thesurfaces of the characters on the several plates 128.

Directly above the impression roller 126 is a pressing roller 141,surfaced with rubber or other suitable material, for deflecting the workdownward when it is desired to mark the fabric. Normally the plates 128on which the characters are formed are just cleared by the under surfaceof the work and by depressing the roller 141 the fabric is deflectedinto contact with the characters on the plates. For convenientmanipulation, the pressing roller 141 .is carried on the end of an arm142 having a laterally extending hub 143, Fi 8 hinged on a p Fig. 7 fastin the racket-plate 90 before mentioned, secured to the rear of the headof the-sewing machine, with an integral projection 146 of the bracketplate arran d to engage a catch 147 integra with the ub 143, whenelevation of the pressing roller carries the catch clear of theprojection and allows a coiled thrust spring149, Fig. 3, whomoppositeends are sunk in a collar 150 fixed on the pin 144 and in thehub 143, to displace the arm 142 bodily sidewise. The spring 149 alsotends to swing the arm 142 down and hold the projection 146 and catch147 in close engagement. By the combined thrust and tortional forces ofthe coiled spring 149 the pressing roller in an elevated position issecured against accidental displacement and vibration.

Manual actuation o the endless comm-- The handle or crank 21 provided onthe end of the rod 120 extending through the impression roller affordsconvenient means for manually movin the endless chains 26 in thedirection of fee before the machine is started and while thestitch-forming, work-feeding and trimming mechanisms are at rest,facilitating the location of the plies of work on opposite sides of theseparator 109 before starting up.

Treadle mechanism for power operation 0 the machine-The sewing machineand t e fabric-stretching and holding mechain 144, d

nism are simultaneously operable from a power-transmitter 150' suitablysecured to the lower side of the tray 7 under the vertical standard 10of the sewing machine frame. An suitable form of transmitter may be empoyed, the one illustrated in Fi 3 having driving and driven members whicare relatively movable into clutching relation through a bar 151, Figs.1 and 3, inged to an arm 152 constitut'- part of a footlever or treadle153 wh i dfi is suitably fulcrumed between the legs 1 and which isnormally held raised b a coiled s ring 154. The transmitter has theusual t ulle s 150 from which power is transmitte to e main drivin shaft12 of the sewing machine by a be t 150' passing over the ve of theband-wheel 12'. On the casing of the transmitter are spaced lugs 150 onwhich is fulcrumed b means of rod 150 the transmitter contro ling lever150. The rod 151 is connected to the lever 150 by suitable means such asthe screw-bolt 151 Swinging of the lever 150' connects and disconnectsthe clutch members as is ordinary in such devices. Power is supplied tothe transmitter from an external source by any suitablemeans such as thebelt ulley 150. By depressing the foot-treadle t e machine is throwninto operation.

To enable the operator to move about the machine freelly while it is inoperation, evices are provi ed to hold the foot-treadle down with theoperators foot thereupon. A rod 155 links the bar 151 with a hell crank'156 fulcrumed at 157 upon the tray 7. To the bellcrank is linked asecond rod 158 having a sleeve 159 fixed thereto and slidablv supportedin a lug 160 depending from the tab e 73. A transverse groove 161 in thesleeve isadapted to receive the short end of a latch-lever 162 fulcrumedat 163 to a block 164 depending from the table. The fulcrum of the lever162 is located so as to allow gravity to urge the short end of the leverup alo ide of the lu 160 into the groove 161111 the sleeve. en

the foot-treadle is depressed to couple the machine to power the vs 161in the sleeve 159 is moved to e left (in Fig. 3) into register with theshort end of the latch lever 162 which rises thereinto, thus holding th;foot-treladle a inst the tortion 0 s 54 an t ere rmittin the o r52 toremove his fo bt from thg tread e and move about the machine. This isobviously desirable in handlin material which varies in width andespecially when it is very wlde- ToggIe-roller-mpport for tabla-Forconvenience in shifting the machine about in the factory, rollers 168(Fi 1 only) are mounted on the opposite on s of rock-bars 164 pivotallyconnected by the fixed pairs of legs 1. tween ears 165 on the rockbars164 pairs of toggle links 166 are arranged with a lateral arm 16? on onelink of a pair extending outward for convenient access to the operatorsfoot by which the toggle-links may be broken as shown in Fig. 1 to lowerthe ends of the legs 1 into direct contact with the floor or by whichthey may be straightened to support the machine upon the rollers 163 forease in shifting it about on the floor.

Operation of the nwchz'iw.The ends of the lengths of cloth are impaledeach upon both series of pins in lapping relation as shown incross-section in P ig. 24. \Vith the plies of work introduced under theresserfoot and upon opposite sides of the separa' tor the 0 erator mayreadily stretch the material at and smooth over the receiving end of thetabie. When the machine is operated the pins penetrate the material oneafter another before it reaches the stitching point slightly in advanceof which the trimmers sever the irre lar margins close to where thelines of stitches are subsequently laid. As the fabric passes oil of thedelivery ends of the table it is raised and stripped from the pins andpiles up loosely upon the floor until the machine operator has finisheda number of bolts. A nother truck load of bolts of cloth is then drawnup to the machine and the ends thereof united to the loose ends of thepreviously united truck loads of bolts. These operations are continueduntil the desired aggregate length of material is attained.

During the stitching of contiguous len he of the work or after themachine has on brought to rest, the operator may bring down the resserroller upon the im ression roll and mark the work with an identifyingcharacter as is frequently desirable. The machine is started bydepressing the foot-treadle and left in operation by reason of thedetaining action of the latch-lever 162 while the operator moves aboutin mani ulating the cloth.

he endless carriers or chains 26 in the combination disclosed contributematerial- 1y to the value of the machine over prior constructionsenabling any width of work being united with less exertion and with fargreater rapidity than in machines of the prior art. The capacity of themachine for different widths of material and for handling more pieces ofwork per day is thus increased.

If the work becomes displaced or disarranged, and while the sewingmachine is at rest, the operator may find it convenient to turn thehand-crank 121 and shift the endless carriers with their impalin'g pins25 in the direction of feed in order to straighten out the work as wellas introduce its plies upon opposite sides of the separator 109.

Owing to the length of the table in front of the stitching point and tothe endless character of the work-holding and stretch ing mechanism, theoperator may conveniently prepare the next lengths of cloth to be unitedduring the last portion of the stitching operation on the previouslengths of cloth.

The separator and trimming blades bend the work as shown in Fig. 24 andtension it transversely of the line of feed between the flanking rows ofimpaling pins thereby insuring a flat condition in the lapped plies atthe critical stage when they are being stitched.

Because the trimmers operate immediately in advance of the stitchingpoint and operate in horizontal planes the stitches may be laid as closeto the cut edges of the work as the texture of the cloth renders safethus reducing to a minimum waste of material and the liability of thecut edges creasing or folding in their passage through the rolls duringsubsequent bleaching, singeing and dyeing operations.

\Vhile the invention has been described in its preferred form, it issusceptible of alteration and modification in a variety of ways.

It is therefore to be distinctly understood that the invention is notlimited to the spe cific construction shown and described, as the sameis only illustrative of the principles of operation which are capable ofextended application in various forms, and that the inventioncomprehends all construction within the scope of the accompanyingclaims.

Having thus set forth the nature of the invention, what I claim hereinis- I. In a machine of the class described, in combination.stitch-forming mechanism, step-by-step work feeding mechanism, endlessfabric stretching and holding mechanism, means acting independently ofthe work for advancing said fabric stretching and holding mechanism, andshear trimming mechanism for cutting the free edges of lapping ieces ofwork.

2. n a machine of the class described, in combination, stitchformingmechanism, step-by-step work feeding mechanism, endless fabricstretching and holding mechanism, means acting independently of the workfor advancing said fabric stretching and holding mechanism, and sheartrimming mechanism on opposite sides of the stitching point for cuttingthe opposite free edges of the lapping pieces of work.

3. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, step-by-step feeding mechanism. endless fab ric stretchingand holdin mechanism, and shear trimming mechanism adjacent thestitching point and including a movable blade arranged to operate in aplane parallel with the plane in which the work travels for cutting thefree edges of lapping pieces of work.

4. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewingmachine having stitch-forming mechanism and work-feeding mechanism, ofstretching and holding means for advancing the work to thestitch-forming mechanism in stretched condition, means forsimultaneously driving said work-feeding mechanism and said stretchingand holding means. and means permitting the advance of said stretchingand holding means independently of said work-feeding mechamsm.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewingmachine havin stitch forming mechanism and Workfee in mechanism, of afabric-stretching and ho ding mechanism functioning independently of thework-feeding mechanism, and means for simultaneously driving saidmechanisms including'devices permitting movement of thefabric-stretching and holding mechanism independently of saidWorkfeeding mechanism.

6. In a machine of the class described. in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, step-by-step work feeding mechanism, endless fabricstretching and holding mechanism, means acting inde endently of the workfor advancing said atter mechanism, and of shear trimming mechanismarranged between the fabric stretching and holding mechanism and thestitch-forming mechanism for cutting a free edge only of lapping piecesof work.

7. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, step-by-step work feeding mechanism, endless fabricstretching and holding mechanism, means acting independently of the workfor advancing said latter mechanism, and of shear trimming mechanismincluding a pair of trimming devices arranged between the fabricstretching and holding mechanism and the stitch-forming mechanism andarranged also on opposite sides of the stitchforming mechanism forcutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

8. In a machine of the class described, in combination, step-by-stepfeeding mechanism. endless fabric stretching and holding mechanism, andof shear trimming mechanism having pairs'of movable and stationaryblades, each pair of cooperating blades being supported and actuatedfrom opposite sides of the work, and means for actuating the movableblades including rock-shafts extending transversely of the plane inwhich the work advances. p

9. In a device of the class described, a sewing machine having apresser-foot, trimstitch-forming mechanism,

ming mechanism including stationary and movable blades supported by theprcsserfoot on one side thereof in cooperative relation, and a secondpair of stationary and movable blades supported independently of thepresser-foot and at the opposite sides thereof, in combination withendless work holdin mechanism.

10. fn the device of the class described. stitch-formin mechanismincluding upper and lower stitch-forming instrumentalities. two pairs ofcooperating trimmers. and means connected respectively with said upperand lower stitch-forming instrumentalities for actuating said two pairsof trimmers.

11. In the device of the class described. stitch-forming mechanism.means for feeding the work a stitch length at a time, and trimmingmechanism including two pairs of trimmers operable in planes parallelwith the lane in which the work is advanced for cutting the oppositefree edges of lapping pieces of work.

12. In the device of the class described. stitch-forming mechanism,means for feeding the work a stitch length at a. time. and trimmingmechanism including two pairs of trimmers, a rock-shaft for one of saidpairs of trimmers and arranged transverse the plane in which the worktravels. connections between the rock-shaft and the stitchformingmechanism, and means for actuating the other of the pairs of trimmers.

13. In the device ofthe class described, a presser-foot, a throat-plate.stitch-forming mechanism, means coacting with said presserfoot forfeeding the work a stitch length at a time, and trimming mechanismincluding a pair of cutting devices including stationary blades'carriedby the throat-plate and presser-foot res ectively and arranged onopposite sides oi the stitch-forming mechanism and movable bladescooperating with the stationary blades.

1 In a device of theclass described. a work-support, a throat-plate, apresser-foot, stitch-forming mechanism, means coacting with thepresser-foot for feeding the work a stitch length at a time. andtrimming mecha nism including a plural-blade shear trimmer carried bythe resser-foot and a. pluralblade shear trimmer sustained by theworksupport and'each arranged to operate upon the work from oppositesides thereof for cutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces ofwork.

15. In a lap trimming mechanism for sewing machines having apresser-foot and a throat plate and stitch-forming mechanism. a pair ofledger-blades on said foot and throat-plate respectively on oppositesides of the stitch-forming mechanism, movable cutting bladescooperating with said ledgerblades, and means for operating said bladesincluding links having universal connections at their ends.

16. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machinehaving stitch-forming mechanism including a needle and work-feedingmechanism including a feed-dog, fabric holding mechanism, trimmingmechanism includin two pairs of trimmers arranged to cut tlhe fabric inadvance of the stitching point, and a single implement for separatingsuperimposed plies of lapped fabric and directing their margins into thetrimmers.

17. In a device of the class described, in combination. a sewing machinehaving stitch-forming mechanism including a needle and work-feedingmechanism including a feed-dog, a Presser-foot, fabric holdingmechanism, trimming mechanism including two pairs of trimmers arrangedto cut the fabric in advance of the stitching point, and means supportedbv the presser-foot and extending in front of the trimmers forseparating superimposed plies of lapped fabric and directing theirmargins into the trimmers.

18. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machinehaving stitch-forming mechanism including a use dle and work-feedingmechanism including a feed-dog, a resser-foot, fabric holding mechanism,trimming mechanism including two pairs of trimmers arranged to cut thefabric in advance of the stitching point, and a tongue supported by theresser-foot and extending forwardlv and then laterally across the frontof the resser-foot and then rearwardly towards the resser-foot forseparating superimposed plies of lapped fabric and directing theirmargins into the trimmers.

19. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewingmachinehavingstitchforming mechanism including a needle and work-feedingmechanism. including a feeddog, fabric holding mechanism, trimmingmechanism including two pairs of trimmers arranged to cut the fabric inadvance of the stitching point, and a. member having upwardlv anddownwardly bent portions immediately in advance of the trimmersfordirecting the margins of lapped fabric into the same and for deflectingthe other portions of the fabric margins from entrance into thetrimmers.

20. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machinehaving stitch-forming mechanism including a needie and work-feedingmechanism including a feed-dog, a premer-foot, fabric holding mechanism,trimming mechanism including two pairs of trimmers arranged to cut thefabric in advance of the stitching point, and a member sup rted whollyfrom one side of the work an having a portion extending forwardly at oneside of the line of seamformation to a point in advance of the trimmersand another portion extending in front of the presser-foot for separatinsuper imposed plies of lapped fabric and directing their margins intothe trimmers,

21. In a device of the elm described, the

same, and trimming mechanism for cutting the free edges of la ping iecesof work.

22. In a device o the c as described, the combination with a sewingmachine having stitch-forming mechanism and step-by-step feedingmechanism for advancing the work a stitch length at a. time, of amovable fabric stretching and holding mechanism, means actingindependently of the work fol advancing said latter mechanism, andtrimming mechanism having a pluralitv of trim ming members for severingthe work at spaced intervals.

23. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewingmachine having stitch-forming mechanism, work feeding mechanism, a frameby which the stitchforming and work-feeding mechanisms are sustained,and a main-shaft supported by said frame, of an endless fabricstretching and holding mechanism, trimming mechanism, and means operatedby said main shaft for driving each of said mechanisms.

24. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewingmachine having stitch-forming mechanism. workfeeding mechanism, a frameby which the stitch forming and work-feeding mechanisms are sustained,and a main-shaft supported by said frame, of a fabricstretchin andholding mechanism, and of a plurality of trimming mechanisms, and meansoperated by said main-shaft for driving each of said mechanisms, saidtrimming mechanisms being arranged to operate upon opposite sides of thework for cutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

25. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewinmachine having stitch-forming and wor r-feeding mechanisms, of a movable(indies pair of fabric stretching and holding carriers having fabricpenetration devices arranged in series on opposite sides of thestitching point, and of trimming mechanism arranged to operate upon thework between the stitching point and the endless conveying devices forcutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

26. In a device of the class described. the combination with a sewingmachine having stitch-forming mechanism and work-feedin mechanism, of afabric stretching and ho ding mechanism, a trimming mechanism forcutting the op site free edges of lapping pieces of wor and positivemeans for operating said mechanisms including devices permitting advaneeof the fabric stretching and holding mechanism in the direction .of feedand independently of said work-feedin mechanism.

27. In a evice of the class described, in combination, a sewing machinehaving stitch-forming mechanism and work-feedin mechanism, awork-supporting table provi ed with an elongated o ening parallel withthe line of feed, an end ess carrier having a plurality of impaling pinsprojectm through the opening in said table, an means for trimming theworkbetween the stitch-forming mechanism and the impaling pins.

28. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machinehaving stitch-forming mechanism and work-feedinig mechanism, awork-supporting table exten ing in the direction of the feedtransversely of the machine, and provided with elon ated parallelopenings on opposite sides 0 the stitching point, an endless fabricholding and stretching mechanism having series of impaling pinsprojecting through the open ings, and trimming mechanism.

29. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, and Work-feeding mechanism, trimming mechanism for cuttingthe opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work, fabric stretching andholding mechanism including a plurality of pins, and means independentof the work for moving the same.

30. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, trimming mechanism for cutting the opposite free edges oflapping pieces of work, fabric stretching and holding mechanismincluding a plurality of pins and an articulated carrier therefor thatis endless.

31. In a machine of the class described in combination, a table,stitch-forming mechanism, trimmin mechanism for cutting the oppositefree e ges of lapping pieces of work, fabric stretching and holdingmechanism including an endless carrier supported beneath the table,impaling pins on said carrier projecting through the table during a partof the endless carriers cyclic movement.

32. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, work-feeding mechanism, pairs of trimming devices sustainedon opposite sides of the work and on opposite sides of the stitchforming.mechanism and work-holding mechanism including a plurality of pins, andmeans independent of the work for moving the same, said trimming'devicesbeing adapted to cut the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

33. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, a pair of trimming devices sustained on opposite sides of thework and on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, andwork-holdin mechanism including a plurality of pins and an articulatedcarrier therefor that is endless, said trimming devices being adapted tocut the opposite free edges of lappin pieces of work.

' 34. In a mac ine of the class described, In combination,stitch-forming mechanism, a pair of trimming devices sustained onopposite sides of the work and on opposite sides of the stitch-formingmechanism, a table and work-holding mechanism including an endlesscarrier supported beneath the ta le, impalin jecting throng the tableduring a part of the endless carriers cyclic movement, said trimmingdevices being adapted to cut the opposite free edges of lapping piecesof work.

35. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, pairs of trimmin devices sustained on opposite sides of t ework and on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, andwork-holding mechanism including independent series of impaling ins,carriers therefor, and positive means or operating the carriers to movethe pins in the direction of feed, said positive means including aconnection permitting movement of the carriers independently of thestitch-forming mechanism.

36. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, a pair of trimming devices sustained on opposite sides of thework and on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, work-holdinmechanism including independent series of impaling pins, carrierstherefor, and positive means for o crating the carriers to move the pinsin the irection of feed, said positive means including a connectionpermitting movement of the carriers independently of the machine, andmeans for manually moving the carriers in the direction of feed.

37. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a table,stitch-forming mechanism, a pair of trimmin r devices sustained onopposite sides of t e work and on opposite sides of the stitch-forminmechanism,- work-holding mechanism, an means for stripping the fabricfrom the Workholding mechanism after it has passed the stitchin pointthe said last named means inclu ing a stripping plate supported on thetable.

38. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machinehaving pins on said carrier pro-.

stitch-forming mechanism and a main-shaft for driving the same, a wormand worm wheel driven therefrom. a fabric stretching and holdingmechanism including an endless series of ins on which fabric is adaptedto be impa ed, and means for driving said fabric stretching and holdingmechanism from said worm and worm wheel for conveying the fabric to thestitch-forming mechanism.

39. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a sewingmachine having a main-shaft, stitch-forming nn-clumism, trim- .minmechanism. a fabric stretchiin and H P" holding mechanism includingseparated endless series of impaliug pins. an articulated carrier forsaid pins. sprocket-wheels for driving said carrier. supports for saidsprocket-wheels arranged transversely of the sewing machine and frontand l}2l(l\' of the stitching point. and means for turning thesprm-ket-wheels from the main-shaft of the machine at an angularvelocity that is fixed relative to that of the main-shaft.

40. In a machine of the class described. in combination. a sewingmachine having stitch-forming mechanism and a mainshaft. trimmingmechanism. a fabric stretching and holding mechanism including separatedendless series of impaling pins, an articlated carrier for said pins,sprocket-wheels for driving said carrier, supports for saidsprocket-wheels arranged transverselv of the sewing machine and frontand back of the stitching point. and means for positively driving thesprocketwhccls from the main-shaft of the machine including a one waydriving mechanism permitting counter rotation of the sprocket- Wheelsindependently of the main-shaft.

-ll. In a machine of the class described. in combination with a sewinmachine having a teed-dog and a bcdplate, a \vorlcsnping table. commonmeans tor supporting a sewing machine and a work-s11pporting table. saidtable being arranged transversely of the machine so as to extend in theline of feed. and of endless fabric stretching and holding mechanismcooperating with said feed-dog on opposite sides thereof. and meansbeneath the table for sni'iporting and actuating said endless fabricstretching and holding meidianism.

42. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a sewingmachine having stitch-forming and work-feeding mechanism, work-holdingand stretching mechanism having endless carriers means for actuating thecarriers during the operation of the sewing machine. and means forcoupling the sewing machine and the work-holding and stretchingmechanism to a source of power, said last named means including acontrolling lever, and means for detaining the controlling lever inposition after the chine machine is started for maintaining operationthereof.

43. In a machine of the class described. in combination, a sewingmachine having stitch-forming and work-feeding mechanism. workholdingand stretching mechanism having endless carriers, means for actuatingthe carriers during the operation of the sewing machine. and means forcoupling the sewing machine and the work-holding and stretchingmechanism to a source of power. said last named means including acontrolling lever, and a latching mechanism for holding the controllinglever in position a fter the machine is started for maintainingoperation thereof.

44. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a sewingmachine having stitclnforming and work-feeding mechanism. work-holdingand stretching mechanism having endless carriers. means for actuatingthe carriers during the operation of the sewing machine. and means forcoupling the sewing machine and the work-holding and stretchingmechanism to a source of power. said last named means including acontrolling lever and automatically acting means for holding thecontrolling lever in position after the machine is started formaintaining operation thereof.

45. In combination with a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanismand a main driving shaft for operating the same. an tlltllGSS labricconveyor having a series of work-holding devices thereon, means foroperatin said conveyor to convey fabric to the stitch-forming mechanismcomprising a counter-shaft parallel with the main-shaft. a drivingmember on said counter-shaft op eratively engaging said endlessconvevor. and a speed reduction gear between the main andcounter-shafts.

46. In combination with a sewing mahaving Hllll'llffllll1lll; mechanismand a main driving shaft for operating the same. an endless fabricconveyor having a series of work-holding devices thereon, means foroperating said conveyor to convey fabric to the stitch-forming mechanismcomprising a ('(HlIlttl-$l]2lft parallel with the main-shaft. a drivingmember on said counter-shaft opcratively engaging said endless convevor.a speed reduction mechanism between the main and counter-shafts, andidler wheels on opposite sides of the countersbat't for increasing thesurface of contact between the, conveyor and the driving member.

l7. In combinatioina sewing machine having stitclnforming mechanism anda mainsba'ft for actuating the same. an endless fabric conveyor having aseries of impaling pins there n. means for operatin the conveyor toconvey fabric to the stitch-forming mechanism including a'rotary drivingthe opposite free edges of step feeding mechanism, upper and lowershafts for actuating the stitch-forming devices, a pair of trimmersarranged to operate on the work from opposite sides thereof, and meansfor operating said trimmers, respectively, from said upper and lowershafts, said trimmers being adapted to cut apping pieces of work.

49. In a sewing machine having stitchforming and step-by-step feedinmechanism, a pair of trimmers arrange to operate upon the work fromopposite sides thereof, each of said trimmers having a ledgerblade and amovable blade, and means for operating the movable blades from parts oft e stitch-forming mechanism including rock-shafts arranged at asubstantial angle to the lane in which the work travels.

50. n a sewing machine having stitchforming and step-by-step feedingmechanism, a presser-foot, a pair of trimmers arranged to operate uponthe work from opposite sides thereof, each of said trimmers having aledger-blade and a movable blade, and means for operating the movableblades from parts of the stitch-forming mechanism including rock-shaftsarranged at a substantial angle to the plane in which the work travels,one of the ledger-blades being fixed to the presser-foot.

51. In a sewing machine having stitchforming and step-by-step feedingmechanism, a throat-plate, a pair of trimmers arranged to operate uponthe work from opposite sides thereof, each of said trimmers having aledger-blade and a movable blade, and means for operating said trimmersfrom parts of the stitch-forming mechanism including rock-shaftsarranged at a substantial angle to the plane in which the work travels,one of the ledger-blades being fixed to the throat-plate.

52. In combination, a sewing machine having stitch-formin mechanismincluding a needle and workeedin mechanism including a feed-dog,ledgerlades supported from opposite sides of the plane of the work andon opposite sides of the needle, cutting blades likewise supported andmovable in planes further removed from the work than their respectivecooperating ledger-blades, and means for insuring the entrance of lappedplies of material into each pair of cooperating blades.

53. In combination, a sewing machine havin stitch-forming mechanismincluding a nee e, work-feeding mechanism including a feed-dog,stationary and movable blades in pairs operatively supported fromopposite sides of the work and separated laterally, each of said movableblades being operable in a plane parallel with the plane in which thework is advanced by the feeddog, whereby in one operation a lap seam maybe trimmed and stitched uniform distances from the cut edges.

54. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-formingmechanism, pairs of trimming devices sustained from opposite sides ofthe work and on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, andwork-holding mechanism including independent series of impaling pins,carriers therefor flanking the pairs of trimming devices, and positivemeans for moving the carriers in the direction of feed, said positivemeans including a one-wa driving connection for permitting manuamovement of of the carriers in the direction of feed while thestitch-forming mechanism is at rest.

55. In a device of the class described, in combination, stitch-forminmechanism including a needle, work-fee in mechanism, and trimmingmechanism, the fiatter including spaced pairs of coo ratin shear bladesoperatin in substantia ly horizontal planes, said bla es bein adapted tocut the o posite free edges 0% lapping pieces of wori.

56. In combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism andshe by-step work feeding mechanism, an en less series of impaling pinsmovable in a plane transverse the plane of feed, means actingindependently of the work for advancing sai pins, and means forsimultaneously severing the margins of lapped plies of material wherebyin one operation any lengths of fabric may be cut and la -seamedtogether with their margins a. uni orm distanoe from the securingstitches.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

ALBERT H. DE VOE.

